Your Visit to Noto - the Baroque Capital of Sicily

Noto is the baroque capital of Sicily. It was rebuilt in its current location in the 1700s following Europe’s largest earthquake in 1693, which destroyed ancient Noto and much of southeast Sicily. The rebuilding reflected the architecture of the late Baroque, which later became why the Val di Noto was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The San Corrado statue on the outskirts of town is a great place to start your walking tour. San Corrado Confalonieri is the Patron Saint of Noto. Born in Calendasco, Italy, in 1290, he was a nobleman who later embraced the calling to religious life, dedicating himself to prayer and serving the poor. He spent his latter years living as a hermit in caves near Noto.

On a clear day, you can see the sea from the statue. Opposite is a tree-lined street that leads you into central Noto. Under the shade of the trees are market stalls selling local things, as with all markets of varying quality.

Within a few minutes, you will see the magnificent Citygate. By night, the Italian flag is patriotically projected on the Citygate. Entering through the gate takes you into Noto’s main street, known in Italian as the Corso.

Looking up the first street to the right, you will see RitroVino, one of Noto’s smallest and finest wine bars. It is a perfect first pit stop if it is that time of the day.

Along the Corso is the breathtaking Noto Cathedral, dedicated to San Nicolo, bishop of Mira. The monumental staircase leads to the Cathedral doors. Once inside, another highlight is the cathedral’s large dome, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Continuing along the Corso, the next, don’t miss the Church of San Carlo Borromeo on the left. As you enter the door, there is a volunteer at a table to whom you can pay a few euros for a ticket to walk the tiny, narrow steps to the bell tower. The top of the tower offers some of the best views of the city.

Back to the Corso, you will find the infamous Cafe Scilia, which serves well-known sweet treats and granita. This is another great pit stop if you want refreshment.

Opposite Cafe Sicilia is Via Corrado Nicolaci, which hosts Noto’s famous Infiorate or Flower Festival, which takes place on the third weekend of May every year. The street is covered with pictures brought to life with thousands of colourful flower petals.

Via Corrado Nicolaci, is also the home of Palazzo Nicolaci Villaddorata. Built-in the 18th century for one of the region’s most influential and noble families, the palace is renowned for its ornate facade and balconies adorned with mythological figures, faces and animals.

Further along the Corso is Piazza XVI Maggio, an open area with a large tree, fountain and elegant theatre, Vittorio Emanuele. There are several spots for refreshment around the piazza.

Turning back along the Corso, the first street to the left is Via Rocco Pirri, one of the most vibrant streets in the city. At the top of this street is a staircase that connects downtown Noto to Noto alta (meaning high), the historic residential neighbourhood. Along Via Camillo Benso di Cavour are two other staircases. Each year, the picture on the steps is changed to reflect the theme of that year’s Infiorata.

While you wander, you may want to indulge in some shopping therapy, or take lunch, an aperitivo or dinner.

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